ˈgandergoose Obs. exc. dial.
Forms: 6 gandergose, -gosses, 7 -glass (-grass), 6–9 -goose (9 gandigoslings). Also 6 kandlegostes, 9 dandy goshen, -goslings.
[Of uncertain origin. Skinner (1671) suggests gander and goss = gorse, but the proper form of the word is doubtful.]
The plant Orchis mascula.
| c 1550 Lloyd Treas. Health (Copland) E ij a, Anoint the eyes that are blearid w{supt} the ioyce of gandergose or lady traces. 1552 Elyot, Orchis..some call it in English gander⁓goose some raggewoorte. 1613 Dennys Secr. Angling in Arb. Garner I. 157 Purple narcissus like the morning rays, Pale Gander-glass and azure culverkeys. 1783 Ainsworth's Lat. Dict. (Morell) 11, *Cynosorchis..also gander-goose, or rag-wort. 1893 Wiltsh. Words, Gandigoslings, early Purple Orchis. Also Dandy-goslings. |